Trademark Class 15: Musical Instruments – Legal & Strategic Guide (India)
Introduction
India is a land of rich musical heritage—from classical instruments like the sitar and tabla to modern guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers. With the rise of music production, DJ tech, and handmade musical items, there’s a booming market for music-related branding. If you manufacture, sell, or brand musical instruments or their parts, you must protect your brand under Trademark Class 15.
Legal Foundation in India
India uses the Nice Classification under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Class 15 includes: “Musical instruments” — all mechanical, acoustic, digital, and hybrid instruments used to produce or perform music.
Note: Class 15 does not cover music streaming, performances, or services—only physical instruments.
Scope of Trademark Class 15
- String instruments (guitar, sitar, violin)
- Percussion (drums, tabla, dhol)
- Keyboards & synthesizers
- Wind instruments (flute, saxophone)
- Harmoniums & accordions
- Electronic musical instruments
- DJ gear (turntables, mixers)
- Tuning forks, pitch pipes
- Instrument parts (strings, drumsticks)
- Cases and stands
🎶 Traditional and modern instruments alike fall under Class 15.
Examples of Products Covered
- Guitars (acoustic/electric)
- Tabla, dhol, cajon
- Electronic drum kits
- Harmoniums, synthesizers
- DJ controllers and MIDI keyboards
- Instrument accessories like straps, picks
Goods NOT Covered Under Class 15
| Not in Class 15 | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Recorded music, streaming | Class 9 |
| Music software | Class 9 or 42 |
| Music education, training | Class 41 |
| Concerts, performances | Class 41 |
| Audio mixing services | Class 41 |
| Speakers, headphones | Class 9 |
| Music-themed clothing | Class 25 |
Real-World Trademark Examples
| Brand Name | Class 15 Products |
|---|---|
| YAMAHA | Pianos, keyboards, drums |
| FENDER | Electric guitars, accessories |
| CASIO | Keyboards, synths |
| BAJAJ MUSICALS | Harmoniums, tabla |
| NUMARK | DJ gear |
Why Register Under Trademark Class 15?
- Legal protection for your instrument brand
- Prevents imitation or counterfeiting
- Enables licensing, resale, and e-commerce
- Essential for global expansion
Trademark Filing Process (India – Class 15)
- Search availability: IP India Public Search
- Form TM-A: Describe your product type
- Online filing: Through IP India or agent
- Examination: Registrar review
- Publication: Trademark Journal
- Registration: Valid for 10 years
Documents Required
- PAN/Aadhaar of applicant
- MSME certificate (optional)
- Logo (if device mark)
- TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
- Product description
Madrid Protocol – International Protection
Extend your Indian Class 15 registration to over 100 countries via the Madrid Protocol:
- India (CGPDTM): Class 15
- USA (USPTO): Class 015
- EU (EUIPO): Class 15
- UK (IPO): Class 15
- WIPO (Madrid): Class 15
Common Filing Mistakes
- Filing software/music recordings in Class 15
- Registering education/performance brands here
- Using vague product categories like “entertainment”
- Registering sound logos (file separately)
Top Tips for Applicants
- Be specific: “Acoustic sitar” not just “music brand”
- Include accessories sold under same brand
- Use Madrid Protocol early if exporting
- Search Class 15 conflicts before filing
FAQs
- Q1: Are DJ controllers in Class 15? Yes
- Q2: Are straps and covers included? Yes
- Q3: What class is music software? Class 9 or 42
- Q4: Are microphones Class 15? No, Class 9
- Q5: Can I register a tabla brand? Yes
- Q6: What class covers concerts? Class 41
- Q7: Is e-commerce under Class 15? No, Class 35
- Q8: Guitar amplifier? Class 9
- Q9: Can I register tabla + violin? Yes
- Q10: Toy instruments? Class 28
Conclusion
Whether you sell classical Indian instruments or modern DJ gear, Trademark Class 15 is vital for protecting your product-based brand. From tabla to turntables—your trademark journey starts here.
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